NPR reported this week about a new concept of distributing wine in “kegs” instead of individual bottles. This idea is kind of a variation on the European style, where you can hop into a wine shop and fill up re-purposed water bottles and jugs with the local product. Both are incredibly good for the environment, considering that both involve re-using containers. This method is more visual appealing, since it uses new bottles made by Kleen Kanteen for distribution to restaurants instead of 1-liter water bottles with the labels ripped off.
The Natural Process Alliance(founded by winemaker Kevin Kelley and his wife Jennifer) came up with the concept for their own label, Salinia, and also for the wines they produce for Heintz Ranch(Sonoma), Lioco(Santa Rosa), and Spot on Cellars(Novato). These wines are nothing to scoff at. In addition to Salinia being featured in Wine & Spirits magazine, Heintz has been featured in Wine Spectator, and Lioco was named 2009 Winery of the Year by Wine & Spirits magazine, highlighting its Chardonnay. One of the owners of Lioco is the former Wine Director of Spago here in Beverly Hills.
For the wine snobs out there, this effort to be green will not sacrifice taste. This is not a green version of boxed wine. Since most wine distributed to restaurants is meant to be consumed upon shipment, it has already been aged in a barrel and does not need to sit in a glass bottle on a wine cellar shelf to mature. The wine will be served fresh on tap in restaurants instead of sitting around for days in an uncorked bottle. The cost is also lower to restaurants, so they can offer customers better quality wines at cheaper prices.
Unfortunately, no restaurants in Los Angeles are currently using this innovative green wine distribution method. Since wine is a California institution, there is no doubt it will spread to Southern California soon. Be sure to spread the word to local restaurants about this great new concept. For now, you can experience wine on tap on a weekend trip to San Francisco or Sonoma County. The wine is excellent, it’s good for the environment, and it will save you money.
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